Volunteers show committment to Red Cross mission

Nothing beats stronger than the hearts of our volunteers

Posted March 31, 2014, by Mike Flanagan, Jefferson City, MO

MEXICO - Doors may no longer open at an American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter office in the Audrain and Montgomery county area, but Saturday’s 16th Annual Dinner Auction showed the Red Cross mission remains strong in the two counties.

“This gorgeous dinner auction was organized and put on almost entirely by our volunteers – a testament to their commitment and care,” said Clayton Kennedy, the chapter’s community market manager. “Nothing beats stronger than the hearts of our volunteers.”

More than 90 people attended the annual event at the Elks Lodge.

“We had about one-third more people attending this year than we had last year,” Kennedy said.

The event raised more than $6,500 for the chapter.

“Proceeds from the event help guarantee our delivery of local services, from disaster relief to support of our military families,” Kennedy said.

The chapter presented three awards during the evening, which included a social hour and silent and live auctions.

Doris Iman received the Director’s Award. Graf & Sons received the Business of the Year Award and John Mathews was named Volunteer of the Year.

“Last year saw the closing of our office in Mexico, but our volunteer presence and mission delivery are stronger than ever,” Kennedy said. “We’re proud of the services that our volunteers provide the community and we’re proud to be able to stand behind them with more confidence than at any point in our 133-year history.”

Kennedy provided the keynote address for the evening.

“The Red Cross has been able to adapt and evolve better than nearly any other organization or company in this nation’s history,” he said. “Our mission of neutral, impartial alleviation of human suffering remains as salient as ever.

“Long ago we learned that the best way to serve that mission is by training and empowering community members to be there for each other.”